The Sparks & Stripes celebration in Irving, Texas, featured a two-day event starting on July 3, 2024, with an evening of music, food, and a dazzling drone and fireworks show at Levy Event Plaza over Lake Carolyn. Sky Elements Drone Shows used more than 500 drones to create an amazing patriotic display in the sky […]
German actuator specialist Volz Servos GmbH has been awarded a contract by Airbus as supplier for the SIRTAP high-end tactical UAS. Volz will provide the Airbus SIRTAP drones with DA 26 actuators for the air conditioning system. “We are extremely proud that Airbus has decided to rely on Volz Servos for the SIRTAP UAS project”, […]
On July 2nd. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. announced the successful demonstration of the second of three Valkyrie launch methods: the Kratos Trolley Launch System (KTLS). The KTLS enables the Valkyrie to take off from traditional runways or straight roads, without requiring Rocket Assist Take Off (RATO) or other acceleration producing devices. The KTLS […]
The Russian defense industry has introduced a new anti-drone defense system called Barrier, developed by the Russian company Pervyy Dirizhabl (First Dirigible). This system utilizes aerostat technology, commonly known as barrage balloons, to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). During a recent conference focused on UAV detection and countermeasures, representatives from First Dirigible showcased the Barrier […]
There are a lot of people trying to make money in drones. You’re a competent, talented pilot. You’re free to fly drones for work on the side. And most pilots start with standard, visual images. But the real money is in enterprise and commercial work, like modeling and mapping. So how do you learn how to do that? Consider a drone mapping class.
The best online drone mapping classes cost less than $500, meaning a relatively small investment can pay huge dividends in the kind of work you’re able to do with your drone. Even in-person training can cost less than $2,000. Such an investment can pay dividends in the type of drone work you’re able to do for clients. And having higher-level skills simply means you can charge more money.
Yes, doing more with your drone than taking simple photos can translate to a huge pay bump for your business. What’s great about learning drone mapping is that you don’t even need a full college degree. A low-cost course like the ones named here can give you a huge amount of knowledge — in way less time and for way less money than going to college.
How to learn about drone mapping — easily and affordably
Certainly many people who work in mapping and modeling and who use drones have advanced degrees in fields such as GIS, surveying and mapping. But you don’t necessarily need a college education to land jobs, and plenty of the most successful drone pilots in mapping space are self-taught.
That said, drone mapping and modeling isn’t typically something a novice can just dive into without training. Typically, these types of operations involve flying around expensive infrastructure and equipment, which you don’t want to risk damaging should you not be certain in the flight controls. And the data is not valuable if you don’t know how to actually collect it.
That’s where drone mapping courses come in.
The best drone mapping courses of 2024
Ahead of enrolling in a drone mapping course, consider a few factors, including:
Experience level: Are you a complete beginner, or do you have some drone flying experience? Beginner courses will focus on fundamentals, while advanced courses will delve into specific software and techniques.
In-person versus online: How do you learn best? Some people prefer online self-paced learning. Others like the convenience of an online course that they can participate in from home, but like the real-time feedback that comes from a live event — in which case a live virtual workshop might be best. And then there’s the folks who value that in-person touch. In-person drone mapping courses are out there, too.
Budget: Drone mapping courses range in price, so factor in your budget when making your decision. This guide focuses on online courses that cost less than $500, as well as in-person courses that at least cost less than $2000.
The Drone Mapping Essentials online course was created by drone training leader UAV Coach in partnership with PilotByte. Led by industry expert Dylan Gorman (who happens to be Pilotbyte’s founder), the course consists of more than 100 hours of instructional videos, netting more than 10 hours of learning modules.
There are also quizzes, plus downloadable resources like checklists that make executing real-world flights easier.
UAV Coach’s program also includes real world, downloadable data sets so you can practice your skills on actual projects. Modules include:
Equipment and Software Overview
How to Generate Accurate Maps
Methodology for Data Acquisition
Software for Data Processing and Visualization
Ground Control Point Utilization & Workflows
Post-Processed & Real-Time Kinematic Data Capture
How to Create Professional Data Deliverables
The course culminates with a final exam. Upon passing that exam, you will receive a certificate of completion, which can be useful in showing off to clients.
What’s nice about the course is it doesn’t force you to pay extra for drone mapping software, as this course specifically teaches to free software for mapping and data processing.
If in-person is more your thing (it’s certainly my thing), then UAV Coach also offers a 2-day workshop.
The in-person workshops present an opportunity for pilots to develop their drone mapping skills even further, taking the knowledge learned in the course and putting it to use in the field with the guidance of a master instructor.
You’ll learn some of the same topics that are taught in the online course, such as photogrammetry basics, mission planning, RTK and PPK concepts. But, this adds in the extra component of hands-on activities such as actually capturing 3D and manual map data out in the field, as well as going back to the computer to learn how to process RTK and PPK data using Pix4D Mapper and other software tools like Emlid Studio.
Courses are offered periodically in major cities around the country, such as Atlanta, Chicago, Denver and Houston. Check out the list of upcoming workshops here.
It costs $1,999. Sure, it’s far more expensive than the online courses, but the real-time feedback, in-person networking and higher potential for learning retention by being engaged and there might be worth it. And yes, it includes lunch too.
For what it’s worth, the $1,999 also includes complete access to the company’s online drone mapping course ($499 value) as described above.
It’s extensive, and it’s thorough. And while the course is normally a still pretty affordable $399, Drone Launch Academy is offering Drone Girl readers an exclusive, $150 discount. Enter coupon code DRONEGIRLMAPS at checkout to get $150 off. That brings the $399 down to $249, and the discount should automatically apply with this link.
With the $399 course fee (or $249, with my promo code), you’ll get:
Lifetime access to the complete drone mapping class, which will teach you exactly how to create maps and 2D models with your drone.
The option to join a cohort of other students who work alongside as you go through the course (that option is designed for people who want help staying accountable and on track to finish the course in just 6 weeks).
Access to Drone Launch Academy’s community of fellow drone mapping students, where you can ask questions, share your work, and network.
Drone Launch Academy has historically had a solid, consumer-first business outlook in all aspects of drone training. For example, when it comes to the Part 107 class, Drone Launch Academy is so confident in its product that — if you fail your in-person exam — Drone Launch Academy will pay for you to retake it. That’s an $150 value in itself, on top of a course refund (an additional $199 value). Drone Launch Academy also has a prominent spot with the FAA as one of just a handful of TRUST administrators.
If you want to get more advanced, you might also consider enrolling in Drone Launch Academy’s Drone Mapping and Modeling Pro, which dives deeper into mapping and modeling software, as well as how to create detailed reports for your clients. Though, that course costs $599, which didn’t meet my threshold for recommended online drone mapping courses. There are just so many good budget-friendly options under $500.
This course bundles together three separate but related topics: mapping, modeling and surveying. With about 10 hours of combined video instruction across all the topic areas, this is a better course for someone who wants a broad overview of lots of areas rather than a deep dive into one.
That’s not to say you won’t still get in the weeds. You’ll learn how to create models with drone mapping software such as Bently ContextCapture, and Pix4D.
The mapping specific portion spans 3.5 hours and includes practical flight planning strategies, while also teaching you how to process your imagery and create high-quality maps using Drone Deploy, Metashape, and Pix4D.
It’s a live course, with a real instructor who talks to you and can answer your questions in real-time. Thus, it offers all the benefits of an in-person course. That includes the ability to ask the instructor on-the-spot questions with instant responses, more customization and higher engagement. And then there’s the added benefits of an at-home training course: no commute to the classroom (instead you get to stay on your couch). You don’t have to wear pants if you don’t want to.
Why drone mapping is a natural next step in your drone business
When most people initially launch their drone business, it’s fairly common to start by using drones to photograph standard visual images, like real estate photography, art or architecture photography, or event photography. In short, all things you can photograph with a standard visual camera.
But as drones get cheaper and more ubiquitous, the market has become somewhat saturated. Many drone photographers report losing real estate jobs to the 15-year-old kid with a drone willing to work for $15 an hour.
Perhaps more surprisingly though is, despite a “saturated market,” there’s still a shortage of drone pilots. But the shortage is in pilots who are capable of serious, enterprise drone flights, and who have dedicated knowledge that runs deeper than simply knowing how to take off and land a drone, and take some pictures with it.
DroneAnalyst, which is an independent consulting group covering the drone industry, found in its annual report that most drone service providers say they can’t hire qualified pilots fast enough. In fact, 10% of drone service providers in 2021 said that “difficulty finding pilots” is one of their top issues, up from just 6% who reported that in 2018.
And with that skillset, you could make serious money. In 2021, nearly half (46%) of providers made more than $50,000 annually, according to DroneAnalyst’s report. Most of the companies in DroneAnalyst’s survey are sole proprietors and teams smaller than five. For sole proprietors, $50,000 annually is pretty serious side hustle income.
Free ways to learn about drone mapping and modeling
Though the courses above are affordable, free is still better than paid. Here’s a few recommendations of ways you can learn drone mapping and modeling for free.
Sample Drone Launch Academy lessons
Drone Launch Academy is offering Drone Girl readers with a few freebie lessons from its drone mapping class. This not only gives you a sense of what the rest of the course is like, but it also serves as a great, free class to watch anyway — even if you don’t go through with the rest of the course. Free learning!
The three free lessons are (watch them at the link below):
There are also books out there that teach content similar to what’s taught online, albeit in paper format. Books aren’t for everyone, and they won’t give you some of the key learning tools these classes can offer, like downloadable datasets to try your hand at real-world work. There also won’t be the practice quizzes or certificates of completion.
But, some people like that written word they can break out on the train, on the beach or wherever else books are read.
One of my favorite books about drone mapping was written back in 2015 but is still highly relevant today. That’s “So You Want to Create Maps Using Drones?,” written by National Geographic photographer Kike Calvo. Written in the form of a field guide, this book explains, in easy-to-understand language, basic concepts of photogrammetry and spatial data, and techniques for mosaicking drone photos.
DroneDeploy Insider
DroneDeploy Insider is a streaming service owned and operated by drone mapping software company DroneDeploy. The service primarily airs past DroneDeploy Conference talks, plus videos made specifically for the service. Considering how expensive it is to attend a DroneDeploy conference, this offers an excellent opportunity to get the same content at no cost — all from the comfort of your living room. Visit DroneDeploy Insider here.
DJI, the undisputed leader in the civilian drone market, has surprised the tech world yet again. This time, however, their innovation takes a surprising turn – onto the open road. DJI unveiled the Avinox Drive System at Eurobike 2024, which is the world’s largest cycling trade show. With Avinox comes what’s positioned as a a powerful and intelligent e-bike drive system designed specifically for mountain biking. And with the launch, DJI is promising to redefine the electric mountain bike (eMTB) experience.
(Image courtesy of DJI)
But it’s redefining not just biking, but also perhaps the trajectory of DJI itself, which has been in the spotlight recently — and not necessarily for a good reason. A reason uptick in anti-Chinese drone legislation could make it difficult (and perhaps impossible) for DJI drones to fly in the U.S., if passed. That includes the Countering CCP Drones Act, which would add DJI to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Covered List and in turn blocking future DJI drone technologies from operating on U.S. communications infrastructure.
What to know about the new DJI Avinox Drive System
(Image courtesy of DJI)
The Avinox boasts impressive specs. The lightweight motor delivers a whopping 105 Nm of torque, propelling riders up even the steepest climbs. Multi-sensor fusion and a “Smart-Assist Algorithm” automatically adjust motor output based on terrain. It almost mimics the smooth, intuitive flight control that DJI drones are known for.
Here are some standout key specs:
Max continuous torque: 105 Nm
Drive unit weight: 2.52 kg
Peak power: 850 W
Let’s take a deeper dive into those:
Avionix weight: Yet, it only weighs 2.52kg. Much like how light hardware is critical for increasing flight times, biking also demands lightweight gear to make bikes easy to ride. And in the case of e-bikes and drones, it can prolong their operating times.
Avionix riding: Riders can pick from four riding assist modes, which are:
Auto: consider this the standard mode
Eco: better for longer rides
Trail: better for mixed trails
Turbo: best for steep uphills
They can also activate Boost mode for an extra power surge. With Boost mode, you get up to 30 seconds of 120 N·m drive torque and an immediate maximum output of 1000 W. Consider it something to use on a super-steep hill or otherwise complex terrain.
Avinoix battery life: Riders have two battery options, which are 600Wh and 800Wh. Here’s how they compare
600Wh
800Wh
Range
117 km
157 km
Weight
2.87 kg
3.74 kg
It powers up from 0% to 75% charge in just 1.5 hours given its use of GaN 3x fast charging technology.
App integration: The system uses a 2-inch OLED full-color control built-in touchscreen display. At 800 nits of max brightness, you should be able to see it, even when riding on a sunny day.
With it, riders can then connect their smartphones to activate features such as data recording and sharing. The app can also change the riding mode, assist parameter adjustments, and offer real-time bike status checking.
(Image courtesy of DJI)
How to ride a DJI bike equipped with Avinox for yourself
Alongside the launch of Avinox, the company also announced an actual bike you can buy that uses the Avinox Drive system. It’s called Amflow PL, and it’s the world’s first all-around electric mountain bike equipped with the DJI Avinox e-bike drive system.
The 19.2kg e-bike offers 850 W of peak power and 250 W of nominal power. The frame on its own weighs just 2.27 kg.
Though, it’s not on sale yet — and we don’t have pricing information yet either. DJI says you’ll have to subscribe to the Amflow site for email alerts when sales start. Though, rumor has it, the DJI bike will cost between about $7,500 and $13,000. It’s expected to be available for purchase by the end of 2024.
Why a DJI bike?
(Image courtesy of DJI)
While some might see this as a departure from drones, there’s a clear connection between DJI’s core competencies and Avinox. Their experience with motors, batteries, and intelligent control systems translates seamlessly to the world of roving vehicles.
In fact, DJI had already been building some intelligent driving solutions for automobiles in China over the past few years. Some already work in several car models. And, the recently launch of DJI Power, which are portable power stations, suggest a pivot into other energy-based tech.
This specific, strategic move taps into the booming e-bike market while leveraging DJI’s existing technological strengths in building products that generate maximum power in a small size. The global e-bike market is booming, fueled by rising concerns about environmental impact, a growing appreciation for outdoor recreation and a desire to reduce reliance on cars. By entering this space, DJI positions itself to capture a slice of this rapidly expanding market.
Throw in the fact that drones are facing increasing regulations, diversification might be a wise move to ensure continued growth. Politicians from countries like the U.S. are seeking to limit DJI drones due to security concerns. Plus, a near saturation of the consumer drone market anyway could potentially limit DJI’s future prospects in their core business. The Avinox allows DJI to leverage their strengths in new domains.
Whether this signals a full-fledged shift away from drones remains to be seen. DJI is likely to maintain its position in the drone market, considering their dominant market share. However, the Avinox is a clear indicator that DJI is exploring new horizons, both on land and in the air.
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